Currently, the best usb audio interface is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. Wiki researchers have been writing reviews of the latest audio interfaces since 2015. Although this interface is both PC and Mac compatible, we felt it was the best one to combine with Apple computers. If working in Pro Tools is your thing, definitely consider the Avid Mbox. Many Thunderbolt audio interfaces offer a handful of analog inputs and outputs for mics and line-level gear, while offering digital inputs and outputs for expansion. This way you can add more input channels or output channels based on your needs.

What to Look for When Choosing Your Audio Interface

Before jumping into the list, let's make audio interfaces less confusing. Let's clear up some of the terminology and break down what some of the specs mean so you can make an informed decision:

» Inputs & Outputs

You'll see the breakdown of an interface's inputs and outputs written like 2-in/2-out, or just 2x2 for short. This means the interface can handle 2 mic or instrument input, and can output 2 channels.

Not every input is created equal:

If you need to plug in a microphone you'll need an XLR input that goes into a mic preamp. These inputs can usually accept a mic OR line level instrument, so the jack is an XLR-1/4' combo jack.
If you need to plug in a guitar or bass you'll need a 1/4' input.
Just because an interface says '2-in' doesn't necessarily mean you can plug in a stereo instrument like a synth. That might refer to a single XLR jack for a mic, and a single mono 1/4' input for a guitar.
One or more inputs might be digital, which you may or may not need.

One confusing thing is when an interface claims 10-in but it only has 2 physical inputs. What's the deal with that?

Answer: While the interface that you are buying does indeed only have 2 physical inputs, in the case of a 10-in interface it can handle 8 more, but you have to expand it by purchasing another mic preamp.

The Audient iD14 is a great example. It has 2 combo jacks, but it also has an 8-channel ADAT input so you can buy the Audient ASP800, which is an 8-channel Microphone Preamplifier, and voila the iD14 can now handle 10 mic channels going into it at once.

» Connection Format

How an interface will hook up to your computer: Different types of USB, FireWire (which is becoming obsolete), Thunderbolt, or even something else.

Typically more budget-minded interfaces will be USB, which is slow relative to FireWire and Thunderbolt but fast enough to function well.

The Best Beginner & Budget Audio Interfaces

Budget limit in this section: $300

NOTE: Just because we say 'Beginner & Budget' does not mean these are not professional grade. Technology has come so far that a $99 audio interface can be the center of your small studio and make your recordings sound great. In fact, most pro musicians, producers, and recording artists use an interface from this section.

Focusrite Scarlett

» Models We Recommend:

The Focusrite Scarlett family of audio interfaces is ubiquitous in home and pro studios worldwide, easily recognizable with their bright red case.

So, why are they so popular? They hit the mark with a combination of an attractive price point, good design, good sound quality, and every few years they release a new version that improves on the shortcomings of the last one.

The gain knobs feature LED rings around them which pulse green, orange, or red depending on how hot your signal is. It's a handy visual cue to help set your levels for recording.

For the mic preamps you've got 48V phantom power available, as well as AIR (models a high-end preamp and gives more brightness and openness to your voice or instruments).

The included software is pretty impressive, with the highlights being Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First Creative Pack.

Here are the audio interfaces we recommend from the Focusrite Scarlett series:

Focusrite Scarlett Solo

The Solo is the most junior member, and features one Focusrite preamp and a DI for your guitar, bass, or keyboard. This is perfect for a solo artist or podcaster.

Unfortunately the headphone output does not have its own independent volume control.

0 available used from $100.00 on

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

The 2i2 replaces the Solo's 1/4' DI with another mic preamp. The headphone output volume can be controlled with a dedicated volume control. If you know you'll need to record two mics or a stereo instrument, this is the one to get.

39 available new from $144.94 on

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Focusrite Scarlett 4i4

The 4i4 keeps the two mic pres on the front panel, and adds another pair of 1/4' inputs on the rear so you can plug in a synth or any other stereo instrument. You also get an additional set of outputs. If you need MIDI I/O, this is the interface to get since that's included as well.

One downside of the 4i4 is that they did away with some of the physical controls. In order to switch the mic preamps between Line/Instrument inputs and to select the Pads and AIR mode, you need to use the Focusrite software.

29 available new from $207.51 on

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Bottom Line

The Focusrite Scarlett interfaces are hard to beat in terms of value for the money. Each generation that comes out is better than the last which shows Focusrite is listening to their customers and always striving to improve. The preamps and converters might not be the best we've heard, but they do the job and in most contexts nobody will be able to tell.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio

» Models We Recommend:

Native Instruments' line of Komplete Audio compete closely with Focusrite and PreSonus, and they are a great choice if you buy into the Native Instruments ecosystem of hardware and software.

Truthfully, there's not a lot between the NI and Focusrite interfaces. They are priced very similarly and nearly match each other feature for feature.

It comes down to if one speaks to you more than the other in terms of design, and if you want an interface that's more software-agnostic (Focusrite) or one that leans more towards Native Instruments' impressive suite of software.

One of the distinctive feature of these interfaces is the big volume knob which is easily within reach on top of the unit, as are the meters. We prefer this to a front-mounted knob. Also the entire line features a dedicated volume knob for the headphones, which is nice.

The included software includes Maschine Essentials, several NI plugins, Monark (an analog synth), Komplete Start, and Ableton Live Lite being the only non-NI software.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1

The Komplete Audio 1 offers one XLR mic input (with 48V phantom power), and a DI for guitar, bass, or other instruments. Each of course has a gain control.

The outputs to your monitors/speakers are RCA jacks, unlike most other interfaces with 1/4' jacks.

1 available used from $88.54 on

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Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

Upgrading to the Komplete Audio 2 gives you the ability to record in stereo. You get another mic preamp in place of the Komplete Audio 1's 1/4' DI input. Also the outputs are 1/4', not RCA.

8 available new from $108.45 on

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Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6

The Komplete Audio 6 is a big step up. You still get the two front-facing XLR-1/4' combo inputs, but in addition you get another set of stereo inputs, a secondary 1/4' stereo output, and S/PDIF digital in/out.

The Komplete Audio 6 also includes MIDI I/O, and a secondary headphone jack with its own volume control (separate from the primary headphone jack).

5 available used from $116.40 on

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Bottom Line

It's difficult not to compare the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1, 2, and 6 to the Scarlett Solo, 2i2, and 4i4. They are extremely close in terms of audio quality, features, and price. If you know you like the Native Instruments family of software, you should go with a Native Instruments interface.

Between the Komplete Audio 6 and 4i4, we'd choose the Komplete A

Best Audio Interface For Mac